Welcome to Visit Augusta GA blog

It was a perfect Saturday for a bug hunt. The boys were getting tired of the typical backyard bugs. So we loaded up and in 15 minutes were at the Swamp. Located on 1100 acres and just minutes from downtown Augusta, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers visitors the chance to see blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, otter, alligator and the elusive bobcat in their natural settings.

But today we were here in search of the summer dragonflies. With net and hat in place – we were off on the Cattail Trial to search for dragonfly. Once we hit the trail, the bugs were everywhere and the kids could not have been happier. I enjoyed the change in scenery as well.

It is sometimes hard to believe this fantastic preserve is just down the street. As much net swiping was going on, we had not caught anything. No one seemed too upset. We were sitting in the shade in one of the outdoor classrooms when a dragonfly came up to William. He was so excited. It was a beautiful green dragonfly, we had also seen a few blue ones. I was pretty sure this was all about the hunt and not so much about the capture. That was fine with me since at the swamp does not want to you bother any of the creatures at the park anyway. When it came down to it, my bug hunters were only interested in looking at the bugs and not the least bit interested in capturing or touching them.

We also saw lots of beautiful vegetation along the paths – magnolia, some raspberries and other unidentified plants. The trails are really great with lots of information along the way. There are several good spots for picnics. We only explored two trails on this day. There are so many different trials to take. Some are good for bikes, some are good for running and of course some are good for bug safaris with two little boys.

Natural Sciences Academy Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

1858 Lock & Dam Road
Augusta-Richmond County, Ga 30901

Open Dawn to dusk: Every Day Free to public

706-828-2109

www.naturalsciencesacademy.org

My sister was in town from New Jersey this weekend, so I thought I would take her someplace completely different.  Now, remember I am the one with two boys (ages three and five), so it had to be family friendly. The perfect choice was Old MacDonald Fish Camp in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It sounds further away than it actually is—just a 12 mile drive from Augusta.

There is a lot to say about this experience. We went early. It was 5 o’clock on a Saturday and we did not have to wait. But if we had come about ten minutes later, we have had to wait.

Okay – first things first. This is the only restaurant I have ever been to that has a “Grits and Hushpuppy Bar.” Yes – like a salad bar, but just grits and hushpuppies. My sister thought this was amazing. And, really, it is. The grits were also a big hit with the kids.

The menu has all sorts of seafood – fried or broiled. My sister ordered the boiled shrimp. I had the Low Country Boil. I had to explain to my “northerner” sister, that low country boil is boiled shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn. Jacob and I shared. Fantastic!

I also highly recommend the sweet tea. I only have sweet tea on special occasions. And this was one of those times. Our waitress brought over the entire pitcher finally because I just kept sucking it down. It was so tasty and served in a Mason jar. Loved it.

After dinner we did stay and play for a little while. The restaurant is on a pond with a waterwheel. It also has a ducks, goats and chickens for the kids to feed for a nickel.  Very fun. So if you do have to wait – there is really no problem keeping entertained. I am sure some actually might be disappointed if they get seated right away.

So I asked my sister after the big adventure – was this something she could do in New Jersey? She said absolutely not and it was a great experience. I agreed.

Old McDonald Fish Camp
355 Currytown Road
North Augusta, SC 29860
Phone: 803-279-3305

OPEN 5:00 pm Thursday & Friday
OPEN 4:00 PM Saturday

www.oldmcdonaldfishcamp.com

Saturday was a beautiful, warm and sunny day in Augusta. My mom and I decided to take advantage of this weather and visit Augusta’s Saturday Market on the River. The market is located at the Riverwalk entrance on 8th Street at Reynolds Street and is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from April through October.

The market was filled with people who came out to see dozens of local vendors, farmers and artisans all gathered in one location selling their treasures. All products sold are locally grown or locally made. This is fantastic because I was able to ask the vendors exactly where the fruits and vegetables I was about to buy came from. Can you get this kind of information or freshness at Wal-Mart? I think not. 

I bought several fresh strawberries and peaches, two of my favorites! But the fresh squash and zucchini looked just as delish! My mom bought some red, juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes.

There are also vendors selling several different species of plants, annual and perennial flowers, ornamental grasses and shrubs, ferns, vines and even trees. I purchased a couple of trailing Lantanas, which look pretty in my back yard! Knowing absolutely nothing about gardening, I found the people at Griffin’s Nursery very helpful when I asked about caring for my Lantanas.

There are also artisan and artistic vendors. You can find hand-crafted and hand-painted birdhouses, handmade jewelry, hand sewn children’s clothes, accessories and more!

With so much to do and see at the Saturday Market by the River you are bound to work-up an appetite. No worries! Food vendors are there to serve you. You can sample homemade pastries and breads, grilled chicken, boiled or roasted peanuts and even cupcakes! The bacon and spinach quiche I had from Lily’s Bakery was to die for!

We had a great time at Saturday Market by the River and I plan on going each and every Saturday to see what is new. Hope to see you there!

Saturday Market on the River

Riverwalk at 8^th Street & Reynolds

http://www.theaugustamarket.com/index.html

Right across the river in North Augusta, about a 5 minute drive from downtown Augusta, is the Sno-Cap. For those of you who like simple, good food, it’s perfect. For those of you who enjoy nostalgic settings, you’ll love the 50s vibe.

When we first pulled up to the Sno-Cap, my Uncle Tony (who’s visiting from New Jersey) asks – “What is this? Like a Sonic?”

The answer? No! Can you drive your vehicle in and park it, yes. But you won’t find a bunch of dolled up items on the menu and you won’t pay chain restaurant prices. You also have the option of sitting inside if the weather is too hot or cold for your liking (which is good for cold natured folks like me!).

Simple burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches make up the majority of the menu, although they do also have salads, platters with chicken fingers, shrimp and more. They key to Sno-Cap’s success is that they don’t NEED to pile on soggy bacon, weird sauces or veggies that you’ve never heard of on top of a burger or hotdog. They just keep it simple!

You can sit outside underneath the covering at one of their picnic tables, or you can head inside and enjoy the vintage vibe at a booth or at the counter.

Try the root beer float for dessert and you won’t be sorry!

They have Cruise Ins, where vintage cars and their owners stop by and hang out, movie nights and bike nights all the time, so keep a look out!

Sno-Cap Drive In

618 West Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 279-4004

http://www.snocapnorthaugusta.com/

(This is a repost from June 11, 2010.)

The first time I heard about a new event called the ‘Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que’ that was happening on Memorial Day weekend I knew it was going to be great. The name is so original and catchy.  The Banjo-B-Que is all about bluegrass music and barbeque, and so much more! 

How can you beat a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned barbeque cook off?  There were over 20 teams cooking for days to see who had the best chicken, ribs and pulled pork. As we walked in the gates all we could smell was sweet, sweet meat. A good number of teams cooked enough to be able to sell some of their barbeque for people to try.  I think by the end of the day we tried meat from 3 or 5 different teams, along with boiled peanuts and other culinary delights. I was in heaven!

The promoters of the Banjo-B-Que stated that it was perfect for folks of all ages and they were right.  There were carnival rides and games for kids, and even a petting zoo. 

There was also several food tents with cotton candy, funnel cakes and fried goodies, and for the grownups there were plenty of beer tents, so we were never far from refreshments.

I also got to experience something I never had before…pig races!  Throughout the day they had little piggies running around a miniature racetrack.

I learned that the pigs were in hot pursuit of Oreo cookies.  Seriously, that is what they race for!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHSI7c8pnh4]

They even had a swimming pig.  His name is ‘Swifty’ and apparently he’s a big deal on the pig race circuit.

Another highlight of the day was all the great music.  The lineup was fantastic!  I think the bluegrass musicians we saw were quite talented, and great sports considering that it rained on and off during the last three sets.

We got to see Chatham County Line, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Ricky Skaggs.  Their styles of bluegrass are each a little bit different, but all of them were fantastic!  I was especially excited to see Ricky Skaggs since he is such a legend in the country music world, and he did not disappoint!

Even though it rained a little bit, the whole day was really enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what is in store for next year!

The 2011 Banjo-B-Que  full music schedule for Friday includes: John Popper & the Duskray Troubarours, the Blue Dogs, The Whiskey Gentry, Sibling String and Crosstie Walkers. Saturday’s main stage music line up features Old Crow Medicine Show, Doc Watson & David Holt, Frontier Ruckus, Charlie Parr & the Clack Twig Pickers, Chatham County Line, Little Roy & Lizzy, Bloodkin and Peachtree Station

Hippodrome

5540 Jefferson Davis Highway
North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 400-3609

http://www.banjobque.com/index.php